Best of Istanbul: Basilica Cistern - Blue Mosque - Grand Bazaar

Explore the vibrant and storied "old town" of Istanbul on this tour, where you'll have the chance to capture incredible photographs at renowned landmarks such as the subterranean Basilica Cistern and the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet. Take in the aromatic delights of the spice markets and delve into the rich Byzantine heritage of the Hippodrome. Be inspired by the local art and craft scene, and discover the secrets of traditional carpet weaving during a visit to a historic carpet workshop. • Enjoy priority access and skip the ticket lines at the Basilica Cistern • Indulge in Turkish delights at the bustling Grand Bazaar • Try your hand at weaving loom if you're feeling adventurous. • Benefit from a smaller tour group that can be customised to your interests

1. 1

   Basilica Cistern

   30 min

   This spacious Roman built cistern shows off impressive Roman engineering was commissioned by Emperor Justinian, largest surviving Byzantine cistern in Istanbul and has been backdrop for many movies over time.

2. 2

   Blue Mosque

   30 min

   Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque by many tourists because of its bluish interior decoration( blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design), is the most important mosque of Istanbul standing next to the Byzantine Hippodrome in the old city center..

3. 3

   Hippodrome

   10 min

   The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a circus that was the sporting and social center of Constantinople. Today it is a square with a few fragments of the original structure surviving. Monuments decorating the Hippodrome include the 3500-year-old Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column...

4. 4

   Grand Bazaar

   10 min

   Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is high on most tourists' itineraries, and for a good reason. This enormous site is the largest covered market in the world with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops on a total area of 30,700 m², attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily...

5. 5

   Sultanahmet District

   10 min

   "Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled

6. 6

   Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

   Pass by

   A fifteen hundred years old splendid monument, is a must see in Istanbul, built to be the world’s largest place of worship by Emperor Justinian in 532 AD.

7. 7

   Sultanahmet Square

   10 min

   This beautiful square and a great place to make a stop, relax and take photos of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Modest clothing should be preferred when visiting the Sultanahmet Blue Mosque. Shorts for men or women should be below the knee. Women cover their heads and exposed shoulders with a scarf or shawl, skirt should be below the knee.
• It may be challenging to do the tour with a stroller, not recommended
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.